Beauty of the Beasts
Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals
Beauty of the Beasts
Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals
Description
A SPOTIFY BEST NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026
Bloomsbury presents Beauty of the Beasts by Jo Wimpenny, read by Bettrys Jones
In an age of catastrophic biodiversity loss, the author of Aesop's Animals explains why we should champion and protect nature's underdogs.
Wasps. Snakes. Cockroaches. Sharks. We fear them, loathe them and often kill them without question. But what if everything we think we know about these animals is wrong?
Beauty of the Beasts is a celebration of nature's underdogs and a call to arms for greater coexistence with the natural world. Drawing on the latest research, Jo Wimpenny explores what shapes our beliefs about other animals, challenging our perceptions of 'good' species and setting the record straight about those we call 'pests' and 'villains'. Looking past these labels allows us to see that many of these animals are ecologically vital and live strikingly complex inner lives.
It may be tempting to imagine a more pleasant world without the animals that scare or repulse us, but such a purge would have devastating consequences. From wasps that provide free pest control and snakes whose venom may cure cancer to the deep social bonds of crocodiles and vultures, this book invites you to rethink our most misunderstood beasts.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: All animals aren't equal
Chapter 2: An awfulness of teeth and claws
Chapter 3: Snake in the grass
Chapter 4: To make flesh creep
Chapter 5: Keep calm and carrion
Chapter 6: Easy on the aye-aye
Chapter 7: Naughty neighbours
Chapter 8: The good, the bad and the animal
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | 26 Feb 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Audiobook |
| Duration | 9 hours and 36 minutes |
| ISBN | 9781399417624 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Wildlife |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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